Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 6

Written Answers. - Community Welfare Homes.

Liam Aylward

Question:

247 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the six senior citizens community homes and day care centres founded by religious orders and run on a voluntary basis in County Kilkenny receive a total subvention of £61,000 per annum from the South Eastern Health Board and that, in spite of representations, no commitment has been given by the board to increase this; if he will discuss with the board the possibility of having the subventions significantly increased; if he will recognise the role played by these voluntary groups and make sufficient funds available to this board and other boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26808/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

The provision of funding for voluntary nursing homes in the Kilkenny area is a matter in the first instance for the South-Eastern Health Board.

I am advised by the board that the voluntary community welfare homes in Kilkenny provide services for patients who would not require the same level of nursing care provided in the board's own hospitals. These homes are currently in receipt of funding from the board under section 65 of the Health Act, 1953, and the rate of funding depends on the current level of activity at the individual home. The board advises me that there was an increase in allocations to these homes in 1999 and there will be a review of the level of funding provided in January 2000.